Article of manufacture, more specifically, a basketball training glove

ABSTRACT

An article of manufacture, more specifically, a basketball training glove, with a primary element that is a physical aid to train and reinforce proper ball handling technique, such as an element in the palm of the glove that makes it impossible for a ball handler to palm a basketball, enforcing the use of the finger tips for proper ball control, and another primary element of the glove with optional weights for resistance training for the purpose of building power and speed into the hands, wrists, and arms, the advantage of the current invention being that it provides for fingertip ball control and weight resistance training at the same time and incorporates both features into one pair of basketball training gloves.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on provisional application Ser. No. 60/687783, filed on Jun. 7, 2005.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

DESCRIPTION OF ATTACHED APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of sports equipment and specifically to an article of manufacture, more specifically, a basketball training glove. The advantage of the current invention being that it provides for fingertip ball control and weight resistance training at the same time and incorporates both features into one pair of basketball training gloves.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is important when training and coaching basketball to teach proper ball handling technique. A common error made by novice players is palming the ball while dribbling. Palming prevents good control of the ball and may even result in a penalty for ‘carrying’.

Beyond the basic objective of training for proper ball handling technique, there is an additional objective of training basketball players to improve the power and speed of the hands, wrists, and arms.

Relevant prior art includes:

Publications

1) KBA Ball Handling Glove, http://www.kbacoach.com/kbabalhanglo.html “Basketball Handling Gloves increase ball control by teaching fingertip contact with the ball rather than palm contact. Great for dribbling, shooting, passing, and catching.

-   -   Glove causes mishandling of ball if fingertip control is not         maintained.     -   Made from tough washable Naugahyde with nylon stitching and         Velcro fasteners.”

2) The Edge Power™, http://www.softballjunk.com/edgepower.htm “Introducing The Edge Power™, the most effective softball training device available anywhere.

In softball, increased power means hitting harder and throwing faster—this is what we all strive for and train for.

The Edge Power™ is designed to elevate your training to the next level. It is the only adjustable weighted training glove on the market with proven results.

A variable-weighted glove, it comes fitted with 12 ounces of weight per hand.

The Edge Power™ was first developed to strengthen a third baseman's arm to increase the velocity of the throw, and it worked! Shortly after it was introduced it was tried as a training device to increase hand speed for batting. Again, it worked, and it continues to work.

The Edge Power™ helps strengthen every muscle used in the throwing motion. It is great for stretching, warming up and practicing. This is the only training device that strengthens while the wearer is doing nothing more than throwing. Not only does it increase velocity, it also helps to reduce injuries.

THROWING: A strong throwing arm is important. What if you could increase the speed of your pitch or just throw the ball with greater velocity? You can!

HITTING: The Edge Power™ definitely increases power in hitting. The Edge can be wom during warm-up, in the batting cage and during batting practice. It is no secret that bat speed is a vital part of power hitting and The Edge works to increase bat speed. By wearing The Edge on a regular basis, swinging the applied weight helps strengthen all the muscles used throughout the entire swinging motion. This is known as functional strengthening through functional exercise. This not only works for the major muscles, but also the minor muscles, which help with control.”

The current invention is the first to incorporate the benefits of both a device to enforce proper basketball handling and a weighted training glove into a single product. Also, the design of the weight training glove is superior, because it allows weights to be added to the wrist as well as the the hand. This improves the strenth and speed of both the hand, the arm, and the wrist.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary object of the invention is to provide a Basketball Training Glove that can be used when training and coaching basketball to teach proper ball handling technique.

Another object of the invention is to provide a physical aid to train and reinforce proper ball handling technique by providing a training glove that forces the player to use fingertip ball contact, making it impossible for the ball handler to palm the basketball.

A further object of the invention is to provide optional weights that add an element of resistance weight training for the purpose of building power and speed into the hands, wrists and arms.

Another object of the invention is allow the weights to be added incrementally in order to provide incremental training resistance.

Another object of the invention is to increase strength for improved ball control and speed.

Another object of the invention is to cause the overall skill and level of play of its users to increase dramatically.

A further object of the invention is to provide for fingertip ball control and weight resistance training at the same time and incorporate both features into one pair of basketball training gloves.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed an article of manufacture, more specifically, a basketball training glove, comprising: a primary element that is a physical aid to train and reinforce proper ball handling technique, such as an element in the palm of the glove that makes it impossible for a ball handler to palm a basketball, enforcing the use of the finger tips for proper ball control, and another primary element of the glove comprising optional weights for resistance training for the purpose of building power and speed into the hands, wrists, and arms, the advantage of the current invention being that it provides for fingertip ball control and weight resistance training at the same time and incorporates both features into one pair of basketball training gloves.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention.

Drawings—Figures:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the palm side of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the opposite side of the invention (the back of the glove).

FIG. 3 is a detail view of the preferred embodiment of a removeable weight element for the invention.

DRAWINGS—REFERENCE NUMERALS

10—Glove

12—Palm element

14—Glove fingers

16—Wrist strap

18—Glove weights

20—Weight pockets

22—Hook-and-loop closure

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.

Description:

The primary article of design is a fingerless, half-fingered, or full-fingered glove 10 with an element 12 in the palm that is preferably ¾ inches in thickness and optional weight elements 18. The palm element 12 is a physical aid that makes it impossible for the ball handler to palm the basketball. The optional weights 18 add a weight resistance training effect to the usage of the gloves. The patent shall cover the use of any materials of fabrication with the key elements being that the design includes an element 12 in the palm of the glove to enforce proper ball handling form and weights 18 to provide training resistance. The palm element 12 may be any shape including round, oval, donut, or other shape that provides the desired effect. The palm element may be composed of neoprene or other suitable material.

Weights 18 are embedded in the back of the glove 10 and/or wrist strap 16 to provide an element of resistance weight training. The weights 18 may be comprised of iron, steel, or other suitably dense material as single weights or multiple weights per glove with the effect of providing resistance weight training. The weights 18 can be permanent or removable from the glove.

Weights 18 may be incrementally added to weight pockets 20 on the glove back or wrist-strap to provide incremental training resistance.

The glove design includes the use of either hook-and-loop fastener(s) 22 or plastic or metal snap fasteners incorporated into the wrist strap 16.

Glove fingers 14 can be any length from zero to full finger length, as described earlier for fingerless, half-fingered, or full-fingered gloves 10.

Specifically, the advantage of the current invention is the fact that it incorporates both features of resistance weight training elements and a palm element into the same pair of of basketball training gloves.

Operation:

The element in the palm of the glove makes it impossible for the ball handler to palm the basketball, enforcing the use of the finger tips for ball control, thus reinforcing proper ball handling technique.

The user may add the weights 18 to weight pockets 20 on the back of the glove 10 or wrist strap 16 to provide an element of resistance weight training. The weights may be added incrementally in order to add incremental training resistance. The weight training elements are for the purpose of building power and speed into the hands, wrists, and arms.

The wrist strap 16 is wrapped around the user's wrist and fastened to itself by pressing the mating hook-and-loop surfaces together until the hook-and-loop fibers mesh.

Alternative Embodiments

Any size, shape, thickness, or composition of palm element is included in the alternative embodiments.

The palm element may be a removeable element of the glove, or a non-removeable element of the glove.

Weights may be added incrementally either to the back of the glove or to the wrist strap or both.

An alternative embodiment of the invention is to permanently incorporate weights into the design or fabrication of the glove. For example, a glove could permanently incorporate sand, lead, steel shot, steel BB's, iron, or other weight element.

Different materials, sizes, shapes, and interconnection methods can be used for the manufacture of all components, including the weights.

In lieu of hook-and-loop fasteners, wrist straps and weight pockets may be secured by buttons, snaps, rib closures, or slot slide closures.

While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 

1. An article of manufacture, more specifically, a basketball training glove, comprising: a primary element that is a physical aid to train and reinforce proper ball handling technique, such as an element in the palm of the glove that makes it impossible for a ball handler to palm a basketball, enforcing the use of the finger tips for proper ball control; and another primary element of the glove comprising optional weights for resistance training for the purpose of building power and speed into the hands, wrists, and arms; the advantage of the current invention being that it provides for fingertip ball control and weight resistance training at the same time and incorporates both features into one pair of basketball training gloves. 